Kyra Kirsch '22 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Kyra Kirsch and I am a competitive swimmer starting my junior year at Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise, AZ.  I have been swimming competitively for 8 years, the last 4 great years has been with the YMCA Westside Silver Fins.  I have continually learned and excelled with the Fins, but one lesson that will stick with me is the importance of having a team that is driven to support each other and every individuals goals season after season.  My team and coaches have continually supported me and I feel they’ve really helped shape me into not only a better swimmer, but a better person overall. 

I am an extremely dedicated person in and out of the pool.   During the past few months, and loss of pool access due to the ongoing pandemic, I remained focused in my training and physical fitness by running 10 miles a week, doing bungie work in a residential pool, and consistently hitting the weights to remain in shape.  With the recent draw back of restrictions, I have taken full advantage of all team practices, while maintaining my focus on weight lifting and bungie work, finding any time I can to be in the water working on form, turns, and endurance.   

Following the life lessons passed on by my parents I maintain the drive to hold myself to high standards while maintaining a balance between school and sports. I have carried a 3.75 GPA (unweighted) throughout my freshman and sophomore years, and earning Academic Honor Roll recognition each semester that I have attended Shadow Ridge. As a freshman, I earned the opportunity to compete on the varsity swim team, being recognized with Rookie of the Year Honors at the end of the season! After my sophomore year, I received the women’s MVP award!  Balancing both school and swim is challenging, but I will accomplish my goals of maintaining a 3.75 GPA or higher through high school and continuing on to college, where I plan on earning a graduate level degree in either Veterinary Science or Marine Biology.